A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has dismissed the defamation suit filed against him by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing the case as legally flawed and calling the former Anambra State governor a “compulsive liar.”

Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo argued that Obi misunderstood the legal basis of defamation, insisting that such claims can only arise from statements already made, not comments a person is yet to make.

“Peter Obi is a classless, non-charismatic politician with little knowledge and zero depth,” Okonkwo said.

He alleged that Obi falsely claimed he was being sued over statements he intended to make, maintaining that the legal process had already begun before his own public remarks.

Okonkwo said the statements at the centre of the dispute were available on his X account and challenged anyone in doubt to verify them.

“What I said is on my X handle. I only stated that it was unwise for him to sue his spokesperson because, in defending himself, the spokesperson might disclose confidential information. I never said whether such information would destroy him or not,” he said.

The lawyer and politician explained that the pre-action notice issued by Obi’s legal team marked the beginning of the defamation process, adding that any court proceedings would only seek to enforce the demands contained in that notice.

Okonkwo also accused Obi of attempting to undermine influential figures from the South-East.

“I have said it before that Obi wants to destroy every rising star from the South-East,” he said.

He questioned why Obi had not taken legal action against other prominent critics, including activist Omoyele Sowore and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, both of whom have publicly criticised him.

Backing Keyamo’s recent remarks, Okonkwo said he agreed with the minister’s description of Obi as someone who “lies like a fish drinks water.”

He further alleged that Obi had made false statements against him and advised the former Labour Party presidential candidate to seek better legal advice before pursuing defamation claims.